A Kindling Flame

Chapter 4

Scarlet turned away from Espen, the tea kettle whistling. Espen shoved his hands into his pockets, watching Scarlet work at the counter. 

"Take a seat," she called to him from over her shoulder. 

He nodded hastily, pulling out one of the wooden chairs and plopping down. Astral padded up to him, and leapt onto his lap. She purred, turning in a circle before sitting down. Espen rubbed behind her ears, silent. 

"Here." Scarlet handed him a steaming mug, and took a seat across from him. 

"Thanks." Espen dipped his head, taking the cup. 

"Mhm." She took a small sip, then set it down and leaned forward. "So. Why exactly do you want to work for me?" she asked, clasping her hands on the table. 

"I need the money. I have two jobs already, but me and my little sister can hardly get by," Espen answered, leaning back in his chair. 

Scarlet nodded, taking a sip of coffee. "I see. Money's sparse these days," she agreed. "Do you have any medical training?" 

He hesitated, before shaking his head. "My parents didn't have enough money to send me to secondary school," 

Scarlet nodded again. "Normally, that wouldn't get you the job. But people aren't exactly keen on working for the Plague doctor," she shrugged. 

"Yeah...that's understandable," Espen agreed with a solemn nod. 

Both were silent for a few minutes, before Scarlet picked back up the conversation. "You have two other jobs at the moment, yes?" 

Espen nodded. "Yeah. The herb shop in town, and the cobbler," he confirmed. She nodded in return.

The young Plague doctor started to say something, when a knock on the front door echoed through the house. Astral leapt up from Espen's lap, and followed her owner as she strode out of the room. Espen quickly followed, curiosity coming across his face. 

Scarlet snatched her plague mask off a low table as she walked past, strapping it onto her face. The motions looked familiar to her-as if she had done it countless times. She stopped at the front door, finishing the adjustments to her mask. Finished, she pushed Astral away with her foot, before yanking open the door.

"Please! I need your help!" A young girl cried as she opened the door. She looked up at Scarlet with large, round blue eyes. "My-my sister! She-she has the Plague! Please, we need your help!" she begged, tears starting to pool in her eyes.

 Scarlet nodded solemnly, her shoulders dropping. "Wait here a moment," she instructed, before closing the door. She turned towards Espen, and he could tell that her face was stone cold. "Well, Espen. Looks like you're in luck," she commented. "I'll be needing some help." 

He nodded hastily, eyes round.

 "There's a white cone mask and cloak in my old assistant's room. It's up the staircase, first door to the right. Find it, and put it on," she said, grabbing a leather bag from under the side table. "I need to gather my supplies. Stop gawking and go!" she ended with a bark. 

Espen nodded again, turning on his heel and scurrying up the oak staircase. 

He stumbled up each step, and took a sharp right at the top, nearly tripping over a stray book on the ground. He spotted the solid wood door, the first one after exiting the stairs, and threw it open. 

The room was sparse-a bed with no sheets, pushed up against the wall, a writing desk and a chair under the window, and the large wooden vanity across from the bed. Espen took a step inside, swatting a cobweb away from his face. If this was to be his room, it would most certainly need to be cleaned. He threw open the vanity doors, coughing as dust blew out into his face. Yes, this place definitely needed to be cleaned. 

He spotted the cone shaped mask hanging in the closet, and the cloak that went with it, strung up on a hanger. He grabbed the mask first. It was a bit dusty, the white surface covered in a layer of dirt. He blew it off, before looking at the white leather straps, which matched the rest of the mask. He messed with the straps, and after a few moments, was able to slide it on over his head. 

He then picked up the cloak, fumbling around with it. His eyes hadn't adjusted to the darkness of the mask yet. He held it up, the golden clasp shimmering in the dim sunlight. He undid the metal clasp, and dropped the white sheet around his shoulders. The clasp snapped back together with a soft click. He drew the hood up, then hurried out of the room, leaving the door ajar. 

Espen nearly fell flat onto his face as he flew down the steps. Scarlet was waiting for him, the shawl that had been draped around her neck now pulled up over her head. Her medical bag was in one hand, and her boots now on and nearly laced up to her knee. 

"Oh good, it fits," she said, looking Espen up and down with an approving nod. 

"It was rather dusty. Do you ever clean up there?" he replied, wrinkling up his nose at the must sent of the mask. 

Scarlet shrugged. "Eh. Never need to." She turned towards the door, squeezing the leather handle of her medical bag tight in her hand.  

"And do I have the job? I mean, I'm coming with you," he added, taking a step closer. 

She was silent for a moment. "Think of this as a trial run. Now, are you ready?" she looked up at him, and although her face was hidden, Espen could tell there was a smirk on her face.

 He took in a breath. The mask's must sent was nearly unbearable. A scowl crossed his expression. He'd have to air it out, if he got the job. "Yeah,"  he agreed, dragging himself out of the if's. 

"Great. Then let's head out." Scarlet unlocked the door, and pulled it open. 

The little girl was waiting on the front step. Her face was red from tears. She leapt to her feet, hearing the front door unlock. "You'll help my sister?" she asked, swiping at her eyes. 

Scarlet nodded. "Take us." 

The little girl nodded, and took off at a sprint down the street. 

Espen glanced over at Scarlet as she stepped out into the street. She locked the door behind the two, then took off after the girl. Espen hesitated for a moment, before sprinting after her, his bright white cloak whipping in the wind behind him.